In total awe by Shen&Zhao, it's so great to see them compete again, and in such a good shape. I expect that they'll get even better as the season advances. The twist was soooo high, as if she was a feather! I was surprise to see that.

In total awe by Shen&Zhao, it's so great to see them compete again, and in such a good shape. I expect that they'll get even better as the season advances. The twist was soooo high, as if she was a feather! I was surprise to see that.

See that was why I said they even got better. They were not just trying to come back, they wanted to surpass themselves, and I believe they can do it! I'm just so happy to see them back. That twist I would consider as illustration of an expression: The sky is the limit

Xue has the heart of a warrier though, I think that makes a big difference. She always conquers the occasion. It's so important in pairs for the woman to be very tough, because the man has so much responsibility.

Chime in on the Shen/Zhao praise. I'm very happy to see them back. It's hard to believe that they are already 37 and 30 (Shen will be 31 in two weeks) and have left the competitive field for two years! I love the opening twist, so high, so confident. There were some little problems here and there, but they are understandable since it was just their first performance and Shen hurt her ankle a few days ago (she claimed it's fine though). I agree with others that the music is so so but I don't really care as their performance still stood out. I hope the best for them. Above all, please stay healthy!

Ilushechkina/ Maisuradze.Yesterday by the Beatles.
Nice sbs 3T, nice death spiral at last, 3L throw huge, 3 twist, good sbs spin, bravo! I wish she had dress on, it looks a bit awkward in the pants. She smiles a lot, it's nice. Wonderful lifts, she is so short. Don't look that juniorish at all! Well done. no applause almost!!WHY?
62.54. Into 2nd place.

She is amazing. Wow. I little russian ballerina. I don't get the choice of "Yesterday" for such a young team and the weird costumes, but the pants show off her line. I can't wait for Sochi. Looks like the Russian pair's domination is back.

Originally Posted by Charlotte Elizabeth

I kind of agree with you at this point. IT's strange to see all these pairs skating to pop songs. But all these war horses are esy going things as well. I would not want to see another Carmen out there. Hotel California is better for me.

I guess everybody is picking american/western style music for Vancover. Just like everybody was skating to Puccini for Torino. Silly, because the judges are not all canadian.